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CO Hazards While Driving
Even small amounts of carbon monoxide (CO)
exposure can lower the physical and mental
reactions of a driver. This may be a reason why
experienced drivers on straight highways and
in broad daylight can run off the road or crash
head-on into an approaching vehicle. Make sure
that your exhaust system is in good condition
and pull over if you begin to experience
symptoms of CO poisoning.
No Immunity
The hazard of carbon monoxide is universal. It
exists, to some degree, in all industries and in
every home.
Some authorities state that under repeated
exposure to small quantities, the primary stage
of carbon monoxide poisoning tends to become
chronic and heightened in effect.
It is important to remember that continuous
exposure to a very low concentration of carbon
monoxide, over a sufficient length of time, can
produce the same toxic effect as short exposure
to a higher concentration.
Keep the Air Fresh
It’s the best safeguard against carbon monoxide
exposure.
IHSA is a leader in health and safety
education. Through skills-based training,
auditing, and evaluation, we provide
safety solutions to those who perform
high-risk activities such as working
at heights, working with energized
high-voltage power systems, driving
motor vehicles, transporting dangerous
goods, working on suspended access
equipment, and utility line clearing.
We help our members continuously
improve their health and safety
performance by providing effective and
innovative sector-specific programs,
products, and services.
Find out what we can do
for you at ihsa.ca
Carbon Monoxide
The Unseen Enemy for
5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 400
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 0A1 Canada
Drivers
Tel: 1-800-263-5024
Fax: 905-625-8998
© Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, 2015
IHSA042
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 Carbon Monoxide The Unseen Enemy for Drivers
Even if you survive exposure to carbon monoxide gas at
high or extreme concentrations, you may suffer permanent
damage to your body tissues.

First Aid Treatment

Carbon monoxide (chemical abbreviation: CO) is the
“unseen” enemy because it is a colourless, odourless,
highly poisonous gas. Through the normal process of
inhalation or breathing, it can be absorbed into the
bloodstream 200 times faster than oxygen. In doing
so, it deprives the body tissues of the oxygen that is
necessary for survival.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete
combustion. Whenever combustion is taking place,
there is a risk that carbon monoxide gases can build
up to dangerous levels. Gasoline, propane, and diesel
engines all release CO gas. So do fuel-fired heating
devices and certain types of welding.
CO gas can accumulate in any enclosed or poorly
ventilated space where an engine is running, such as
• basements or parts of buildings under construction
• tarped-in areas of houses or buildings
• garages, warehouses, or storage areas
• areas where a fuel-fired heater is being used
• unventilated cabs or parked vehicles
• vehicles with faulty exhaust or muffler systems
• vehicles with floor areas or engine-cab compartment
walls that allow the gases to leak into the cab.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
At Low Concentrations
• Shortage of breath on moderate exertion
• Slight headache
At High Concentrations
• Severe headache
• Mental confusion or dizziness
• Impaired vision and hearing
• Collapsing or fainting
At Extreme Concentrations
• Unconsciousness or death
If you suspect a case of carbon monoxide poisoning, you
should immediately:
1. Assess the area to ensure it is safe for you to provide first
aid to the casualty.
2. Call 9-1-1.
3. Move the person into the open air as quickly as you can.
4. Check pulse and respiration.
5. If the heart has stopped beating, trained personnel should
start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or automated
external defibrillation (AED). Continue until the person
begins breathing or medical help arrives.
NOTE: Some of the first aid procedures listed above require
advanced first aid training. You should be familiar with
emergency procedures, the location and proper use of
emergency equipment
(e.g., a self-contained
breathing apparatus),
and methods of
protecting yourself
during rescue
operations.
Occupational Exposure Limits
Occupational exposure limits (OELs) are intended to restrict
the airbrone concentrations of hazardous biological or
chemical agents that workers may be exposed to on a daily
basis. By limiting a worker’s exposure, there is less chance
that the worker will experience adverse effects from these
substances.
In Ontario, both federally and provincially regulated
employers shall take all necessary measures (i.e.,
engineering controls, work practices, and hygiene practices)
to ensure that their employees are not exposed to 25 ppm
of more of carbon monoxide for a normal 8-hour work day
and a 40-hour work week. This may require employers to
have the air monitored.
8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)* = 25 ppm
Maximum for any 30-minute period† = 75 ppm
Maximum amount at any time† = 125 ppm
*The time-weighted average (TWA) airborne concentration of a biological or chemical agent to which
a worker may be exposed in a work day.
†For certain substances that do not have a short-term exposure limit (STEL), exposures above the
TWA must be controlled within the recommended excursion limits.
Preventing CO Exposure
Vehicles
• Make sure the air intake and fuel systems are working
correctly.
• Inspect all vehicles and equipment regularly for such
things as leaking exhaust connections, manifolds, loose
or broken floor boards, exhaust pipes, and mufflers.
• Ensure that exhaust discharge carries the gases beyond
the driver or passenger compartment of the vehicle.
• Ensure there is adequate ventilation in your own vehicle.
• Don’t leave a machine running. Limit running time and
don’t let engines idle.
Enclosed Areas
• Never run an internal combustion engine in an enclosed
space unless a ventilation or exhaust system is available
and working properly.
• If engines have been running in an enclosed area, allow
time for a flow of fresh air into the area before entering.
• Eliminate sources of CO, if possible. For example, use
electric rather than fuel-powered equipment.
• Vent exhaust outside using exhaust hoses or fans to
bring in fresh air. Keep doors and windows open.
• Operate engines outdoors if possible. For example,
welding machines and generators can be left outside
while the leads run into the building.
• Have a written policy for controlling and monitoring CO
in your health and safety program.
• Never work alone in an area where CO can accumulate.
• Monitor CO levels continuously with a gas detector.
• Use respiratory protection (it must be a supplied-air
respirator) if your controls are inadequate.
At the first indication of symptoms—headache, dizziness,
or drowsiness—get out of your vehicle or enclosed area
and into the fresh air.
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